The future of events at Harber Mills, known as The Mill, in Thornton Road, Bradford, hangs in the balance after West Yorkshire Police submitted an application for a review of its licence following the death of 19-year-old Andrew Hook.

He died from abuse of drugs having attended a dance event at the venue in July last year.

In the application, which will be considered by Bradford Licensing Panel on Tuesday next week, West Yorkshire Police say: "From the police inquiry that followed this incident, it became apparent that under-age persons were admitted to the premises and drug taking by them took place on the premises."

It said coroner Roger Whittaker, who held an inquest in November into Mr Hook's death, criticised the club over the state of the premises and what happened there and called for action by licensing authorities.

The licensing panel has the power to revoke the licence authorising the sale of alcohol, provision of entertainment and late-night refreshment.

Bradford Council's child protection unit has submitted a representation, which includes the views of the Bradford Safeguarding Children Board, calling for the licence to be revoked.

Paul Hill, manager of Bradford's Safeguarding Children Board, has written: "It is my considered view, based on the information available to me, that the arrangements made by the licensee for these premises have failed to protect children from harm."

As well as The Mill being used as a live music venue, it has rehearsal and studio facilities and hosts dance parties, music sessions and special events.

Its fans have leapt to its support.

Justin Sullivan, singer, guitarist and main writer with Bradford-founded band New Model Army, wrote to Bradford Council's licensing and land charges manager, while on tour in the United States, in support of the venue.

In a letter, which will be considered by the panel, Mr Sullivan said staff at the venue did all that they could to prevent drug use.

"If there is the occasional misuse of drugs at some Mill events, it is certainly no more than at in any other pub or club anywhere in the city," he said.

"The Media Mill is a remarkable place – much envied by the artistic communities of other cities."

He added: "It is a genuine grass-roots project that is of massive importance to the artistic life of the city."

The Mill has also received support from Martha Kean, co-ordinator of the Fresh Milk Collective, a social enterprise dedicated to the regeneration of Bradford through music and the arts, which, last year organised Bradford Sound at The Mill to showcase local talent.

In a letter, she said: "I am currently working as a youth music mentor and have been using studios in The Mill for sessions training youths in basic music skills.

"There is no way that I would use this space for this line of my work if The Mill resembled anything like the poor and skewed picture that has been painted by the damning coroner's report which is the basis for the venue's current licence review.

"The Mill is much more than just a venue and should be credited for all its contributions to the arts in Bradford."